CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan – Under the shadow of a big Philippine flag waving proudly waving above them, provincial officials headed by Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and Vice Gov. Daniel R. Fernando called on the Filipino people to always remember the sacrifices and the patriotism of its revolutionaries who shed blood, sweat and tears to attain freedom and independence as they led the commemoration of the National Flag Day held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in this city early this morning.
Alvarado said that apparently, the Filipinos nowadays do not respect the Philippine flag anymore, which is the symbol of freedom, justice and hope.
“Marami sa atin ang nabulag na ng pighati at kawalan ng pag-asa at nawalan na ng pakialam sa mga pagdiriwang na may kinalaman sa inang bayan. Ang watawat ay hindi lamang isang piraso ng tela ng pagkakakilanlan ng isang malayang bansa, bagkus ito ay kumakatawan sa kalipunan ng mga mamamayang pinakikilos ng iisang adhikain at nagkakaisang mithiin,” Alvarado said.
Vice Gov. Fernando for his part, said that the Philippine Flag is one of the most colorful and storied flag in the world. He said it was made at a time when Filipino revolutionaries are on the threshold of establishing the first democaratic republic in Asia and Africa.
“Kaya dapat ay palagi nating papahalagahan ang sinasagisag n gating pambansang watawat dahil ito’y simbolo ng pagkakaisa ng lahing Filipino para makamit ang kalayaan, at pagmamahala sa inang bayan” Fernando said.
Third District Representative Lorna Silverio, the guest of honor, said that now is the time to be united specially that the country is facing a crisis.
“Tayo ay magkaisa at iisantabi ang magkakaibang pananaw o paniniwala sa pulitika, relihiyon at kultura para sa kapakanan ng ating bansa. Kung tayo ay matututong umunawa at rumespeto, magiging madali ang ating pag-usad tungo sa pinakamimithing kapayapaan at kaunlaran,” Silverio said.
Silverio added that a simple gesture like stopping and standing still during a flag ceremony or whenever we hear the singing of the national anthem are some of the ways to honor the flag.
“Ang kaunting sandali na isang minuto at labing siyam na segundo ng ating pagtigil ay hindi naman marahil makakaabala ng husto kapalit ng ating pagbibigay galang sa ating watawat,” Silverio said.
It was on May 28, 1898 when the Philippine flag was first unfurled and was formally presented to the people on June 12, 1898.
Meanwhile, the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PHACTO) launched the SINELIKSIK Bulacan Docu Fest 2017: Saliksik at Salaysay ng Kasaysayan ng Bayan Ko!, a research and documentary making contest about the local history of the cities and municipalities in the province.
Winners will receive P100,000 for the Best Documentary Film and P20,000 each for Best Research and Best Cinematography plus trophies. Non-winners will receive P5,000 consolation prize and certificate of participation.
Dr. Eliseo dela Cruz said that the docu fest is open to all Bulakenyos and submissions will be until June 30, 2017. For more information, interested participants may call PHACTO at (044) 791 – 8178 or visit them at the Bulacan Provincial Library, Gusaling Gat Blas F. Ople, City of Malolos, Bulacan. — Emil G. Gamos